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News Release

FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship Application Period Open From March 2 to April 17

Program Helps Military Spouses Foster Their Own Careers and Maintain Financial Readiness in Military Communities

WASHINGTON — Now in its tenth year, the FINRA Investor Education Foundation's Military Spouse Fellowship Program has opened the application process for its 2015 class of military spouses. The FINRA Foundation Spouse Fellowship Program provides military spouse recipients with the education and training needed to earn the Accredited Financial Counselor® (AFC®) designation. Military spouses can apply until April 17, 2015, to become a member of the 2015 class of fellows.

The FINRA Foundation administers the Military Spouse Fellowship in partnership with the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education® (AFCPE®) and the National Military Family Association. The program covers the costs associated with completing the AFC training and testing for military spouses. More information is available at www.SaveAndInvest.org/MilitaryCenter. Applications are accepted online at http://www.militaryspouseafcpe.org/application/ and are due by midnight ET April 17, 2015.

"FINRA Foundation spouse fellows are making a difference in military communities here at home and around the world," said Gerri Walsh, President of the FINRA Investor Education Foundation. "Spouse fellows are building valuable career skills and expanding their employment opportunities while helping military families build more secure financial futures."

Spouse fellows have logged more than 400,000 hours helping military families reach their financial goals, and 470 spouse fellows have graduated from the program. Accredited spouses serve the military community as financial counselors at family readiness and support centers, credit counseling and tax centers, financial aid offices, and credit unions throughout the U.S. and abroad. These organizations are in need of well-trained specialists who understand the unique financial needs of military families.

The Military Spouse Fellowship Program is open to current or surviving spouses of active duty or retired Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National Guard or Reserve service members, as well as spouses of members of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps.

About the FINRA Investor Education Foundation
The FINRA Investor Education Foundation supports innovative research and educational projects that give underserved Americans the knowledge, skills and tools necessary for financial success throughout life. In 2006, the Foundation launched a multifaceted program to expand the saving and investing knowledge of military service members and their spouses, including a free, unbiased resource, www.SaveAndInvest.org/MilitaryCenter. A proud partner in the Department of Defense Financial Readiness Campaign, the Foundation also presents financial education forums at military installations worldwide.

About AFCPE
AFCPE, the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education, is a nonprofit, professional organization dedicated to educating, training, and certifying financial counselors and educators. The Association's vision is to be internationally recognized as the leading provider of professional development opportunities for financial educators, counselors, and researchers to improve the economic well-being of individuals and families worldwide. Visit www.afcpe.org for more information.

About the National Military Family Association
Military families serve our country with pride, honor and quiet dedication. The National Military Family Association is the leading nonprofit organization committed to strengthen and protect the families of the men and women currently serving, retired, wounded or fallen. We provide families of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard and Commissioned Corps of the USPHS and NOAA with information, work to get them the benefits they deserve and offer programs that improve their lives. Our 40 years of service and accomplishments have made us a trusted resource for military families and the Nation's leaders. Visit www.MilitaryFamily.org for more information.